forefather
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
- forefatherly adjective
Etymology
Origin of forefather
First recorded in 1250–1300, forefather is from the Middle English word forefader. See fore-, father
Explanation
You can describe your ancestor who traveled to America on the Mayflower as your forefather. Use the noun forefather to talk about a relative in the distant past, usually a man who goes back on your family tree several generations. Your great-great-great grandfather is your forefather, for example. You can also describe the founder of a tradition or style as a forefather — some people think of Chuck Berry as the forefather of rock n' roll, for example. Fore, "before," combines with father in the word forefather.
Vocabulary lists containing forefather
Power Prefix: fore-
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As the forefather of 'juego de posicion', the 'positional play' that has dominated world football since his Barcelona side won everything 15 years ago, this is a sizeable admission.
From BBC • Feb. 22, 2025
The new version of “Criminal Minds,” fittingly subtitled “Evolution,” which recently completed its second season on Paramount+, follows its CBS forefather in being a show about criminal profilers.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2024
Like other historians, Horne is highly skeptical of Oglethorpe being a forefather of the abolitionist movement.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2024
Other talent joining in the induction: singer Chaka Khan, lyricist Bernie Taupin, hip-hop forefather DJ Kool Herc, guitarist Link Wray, “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius and record executive Al Kooper.
From Washington Times • May 4, 2023
Much like his godly forefather, Orcus, the underworld god of punishment, Bryce was completely remorseless.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
